I had a chance to interview Bethany Huffstutler, Product Development Manager for Great Kids, to learn about the company and about family education.
Can you share a little bit about your involvement with Great Kids and what you do?
"As the Product Development Manager, I have the pleasure of supporting our Product
Development Specialists and Instructional Designers in creating the Great Kids® products.
These are the researchers, writers, and designers who come together to self-publish all our
curricula. Part of my role also involves helping our staff stay connected with the most up-to-
date research in the early childhood and family strengthening fields. This knowledge allows
us to bring the latest research-based information to our partners. As a former Great Kids
curriculum user, I also get the opportunity to collaborate with our staff to elevate our existing
curricula based on my home visiting and early childhood experiences."
What makes the Great Kids’ offerings unique?
"What makes our offerings unique is how we provide research-based information through
strengths-based, relationship-based, and trauma-informed approaches. We intentionally
design our products to highlight people’s strengths, honor parents as the experts on their
family, and acknowledge that trauma can affect a person’s experiences. We provide concrete
strategies and support to help professionals and parents overcome challenges and meet their
goals by building on their strengths and resources.
In addition, we also use a human-centered design approach when developing our products.
This means that our design process is led by the saying, “Nothing for me, without me.” To live
out this value, we include our partners in the curricula design process. We do this in a variety
of ways. For example, we might gather feedback or insight through surveys, pilots (testing out
new features or products), or feedback forms after a training or seminar. We intentionally
gather feedback from those in the field who are or could be using our products so we can
continually improve and meet the needs of our partners. In fact, stay tuned into our social
media this month to participate in a survey and become part of the development process for
our Growing Great Kids® Next Generation Prenatal curriculum!"
What should professionals like childcare workers or teachers look for in family education resources?
"Childcare workers and teachers primarily work with children outside of the context of the
family unit. There are many benefits when they take the extra step to successfully partner and
collaborate with families, including better relationships, fewer disciplinary issues, and
improved educational outcomes. Childcare providers and teachers are uniquely positioned to
bridge this important gap in a child’s development, whether it’s in the form of sharing and
gathering information or providing structured times for all families and children to connect.
It’s important to find resources that can be applied to a variety of situations and people
because every child and family is different and unique, and every childcare provider and
teacher brings their own experiences and views to the relationship.
Great Kids® Together, our family group curriculum (coming soon), will enrich childcare and
educational services by providing structure and guidance during opportunities where families
and children come together. This curriculum is filled with research-based conversation
guides, parenting tips, and activities that were designed for a wide range of ages, from
prenatal families to families with older children."
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